The Grand Hotel Portovenere occupies a former monastery in Portovenere, the harbour village at the tip of the Gulf of Poets. The building dates to the seventeenth century and has been restored with a cloister garden and a lobby decorated with recycled art. It faces Palmaria island across the channel and stands next to the Porto Venere Regional Natural Park, a minute on foot, with Doria Castle a few minutes beyond. It is a luxury stay with a spa, a restaurant and several bars, and it is the best base in this guide for visitors who want quiet evenings and a village with fewer day-trippers. Rooms range from classic doubles overlooking the garden to sea-view suites with terraces.
Location and getting around
The address is Via Garibaldi in the centre of Portovenere. The park is a minute on foot, Doria Castle about three minutes and the church of San Pietro about six. The village is compact and the lanes are steep, so a walk to the harbour and the restaurants is the daily routine.
La Spezia is the nearest city and the point where you change for the Cinque Terre trains. The nearest railway station listed on the hotel's page is about twenty-five minutes away by car, so plan transfers by bus or taxi.
The rooms
The property lists Classic rooms overlooking the garden or city, Executive and Deluxe rooms with sea views, a Junior Suite with a terrace, a Panoramic Suite, a Luxury Suite named for the castle and a family-friendly Comfort Triple room. The sea-view categories are the ones to choose for the Gulf and the islands. A buffet breakfast with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options is served in the morning for an optional fee.
Facilities
The hotel has a full-service spa with massage and couples rooms, a steam room, a Turkish bath, a sauna, a gym, a restaurant with sea views, a rooftop terrace and a partner beach club with loungers. No swimming pool is listed, so do not book it expecting one.
Good to know
Covered parking is available for a daily fee, pets are not allowed, children are welcome, and a city tax applies per person per night. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is at noon. Some luxury hotels on this coast close for a winter break, so confirm that the hotel and spa are operating on your dates.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa with steam room and sauna
- ✓Cloister garden
- ✓Sea view rooms and suites
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Restaurant with sea views
- ✓Gym
- ✓Covered parking for a fee
- ✓Partner beach club access
Good questions
Is there a swimming pool?+
No pool is listed. The hotel has a spa, a gym and access to a partner beach club instead.
How far is it from the castle and the park?+
The Porto Venere Regional Natural Park is about a minute on foot and Doria Castle about three minutes. The church of San Pietro is around six minutes.
Is parking available?+
Yes, covered self-parking is listed for a daily fee. Confirm the current rate when you reserve.
